SU’s Newhouse School to host CNN’s ‘Election Express Yourself Tour’ Oct. 29 on campus

SU’s Newhouse School to host CNN’s ‘Election Express Yourself Tour’ Oct. 29 on campusOctober 27, 2008Wendy S. Loughlinwsloughl@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications will host CNN’s “Election Express Yourself Tour” on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. in the Q-1 parking lot between Archbold North and the Physics Building on campus.

The tour takes the form of a customized Airstream trailer that offers a range of activities designed to educate citizens about current political issues through an interactive political experience. Participants can express their political views through “shout out” video portraits, online interaction and other on-site activities, including political trivia and the chance to design personalized election memorabilia. A polling station and graffiti wall are also offered as additional avenues of expression.

“This is a thrilling election year, with so many people paying intense attention,” says Charlotte Grimes, Newhouse’s Knight Chair in Political Reporting. “We have a wonderfully protected right to express ourselves, thanks to the First Amendment. It’s fun to do that the CNN way with the ‘Express Yourself’ Bus. And it’s even more exciting to express yourself on Election Day—nothing expresses yourself like casting a vote. That’s real power.”

Syracuse is one of several cross-country stops on the tour. The opinions of those who visit the Airstream may be featured on CNN programming.

The tour is offered at SU in partnership with Turner Network Sales (TNS)—the domestic distribution, sales and marketing arm of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.—and Time Warner Cable.

“At Time Warner Cable, we believe it’s important to provide the public with the opportunity to voice their political opinions and personality, and CNN continues to provide the perfect, most creative forum for this program,” says Jeff Unaitis, Time Warner Cable’s Central New York spokesman.

“Together with CNN, the leader in coverage and analysis of Election 2008, we are giving the people of Central New York a chance to voice their views on a history-making political event,” says Gary Brockman, vice president of network marketing and operations with TNS.